getting a choc lab pup. Any tips for the breed?
 

Tomorrow I'm picking up an 8 week old chocolate lab puppy. I know what I'm getting into and welcome the challenge/rewards of owning a lab.

Does anyone else have one, and what should I expect?

Research hip disease on google .... Great dogs!

The father of the litter is "hip certified"...if that actually counts for anything.

I've had 4 labs, 2 yellow, a black and my current chocolate. The Chocolate is by far the mellowest one of all, so much so i thought she was retarded at first.

All 4 were great in their own way. One of the best all around breeds. I've never had any hip issues with any of my dogs, but I did lose one to a bad heart.

Some Labs have genetic hip problems and when they get older it just breaks your heart, I know.

labs are hands down my favorite breed, they're always what i had growing up, and if i were to get a dog again. i would probably get a black/chocolate lab too. super docile, good with kids, don't have to worry about them ripping yourneighbours face off, and are super loyal. also very smart. there's nothing to raising a good lab, just spend time with him and keep him fed...

give it the love it needs..very loving dogs. Also, they can easily get overweight so watch that too.

I think the Kong toys are better than rawhides.

Kongs are great.

I just have to limit them because even though I have one for each dog it always turns into a fight for the one the other one has.

Oh for feeding. I really think the whole meal time feeding works so much better than constant food left out. Dogs just like to eat even if they are not hungry. My dog eats only when we do. Only thing it has constant access to is water.

Almost forgot, the scented disposable pads for potty training the dog are a must and so is the natures miracle organic oxyclean style cleaner for accidents.

Then again my puppy also has a kong rope too, which has a kong teeth er toy and a rope combined.

Also some Sniffers 101 all natural training bits really help.

Lastly crate train your dog from the moment you get it. Best that your dog does not think the crate is a punishment zone only. The doggie actually should see the crate as a personal sanctuary.

When my lab was a pup he ate my shoes. All in all he ate 5 pairs of mine and a pair of my brothers timberland boots. He also ate me $300 soccer boots which I was super pissed at! He also tore up the floor in my kitchen 5 times. I still love him to pieces tho.

Here's a tip for you, as soon as he starts pissing standing up get him castrated! I waited till mine was 3 years old, but ever since I got it done its calmed him down a lot. He's still crazy and I love that about him, but he's better when walking now than he used to be.

Oh and PS. For the first week or two, leave him something in his bed at night that has your semll on it, something old that you won't mind him ripping apart. They feel safer and assured if they think you're near them :)